PASTOR'S NOTE​February 17, 2018

We are now into the great season of Lent. During the Season of Lent, the Church invites us to examine our lives, to repent of our sins and do penance. In the Catholic tradition, we have our retreat houses, parish missions and annual observance. It is the idea of getting off “the merry—round” for a while and standing away from life in order to take a realistic look at ourselves. By means of fasting, penance and prayers, the faithful obtain strength they need to overcome the sinful tendencies. The purpose of Lent in to provide that purification by weaning human persons from sin and selfishness through self-denial and prayer, by creating in them desire to do God’s will and to make his kingdom alive by making it first come into their hearts.The real aim of Lent above all else, is to prepare Christians for the celebration of the death and Resurrection of Jesus. The better the preparation for this day, the more effective the celebration will be. One can effectively relive the mystery only with purified mind and heart. The Church invites all to repent from evil ways and return to the Lord who is eagerly waiting for each one to come to him.Put aside some extra time for prayer and meditative Bible reading and take part in the Lenten exercises of our parish like daily Mass, Station of the Cross, helping the poor, visiting the elderly and the sick and show special attention to those in troubles and difficulties. May this Lenten season brings abundant blessing for us and for our family.